• The U.S. plans to significantly reduce its diplomatic footprint in Africa, closing several embassies and consulates.
• A new draft executive order aims to eliminate offices focused on climate change, human rights, and democracy.
• The proposed reorganization aligns with an “America First Strategic Doctrine,” emphasizing efficiency and reduced costs.
• Current offices dealing with soft power and cultural exchange programs are also slated for cuts.
• Concerns arise over China's potential expansion in Africa due to reduced U.S. engagement.

A draft executive order from the Trump administration proposes a significant reduction in the U.S. State Department's diplomatic presence in Africa, potentially closing embassies in countries such as the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and South Sudan. The plan also includes cutting all non-essential consulates in the region, which has raised concerns about the future of U.S.-Africa relations, according to Africanews.

This executive order emphasizes a "full structural reorganization" of the State Department, aimed at streamlining operations and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the initial reports as "fake news," asserting that they misrepresent the administration’s intentions, as reported by India Times.

The new order aims to reorganize U.S. diplomatic efforts into four geographic regions: Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, effectively eliminating the Africa Bureau. In its place, a "Special Envoy Office for African Affairs" would be established, reporting directly to the National Security Council instead of the State Department, according to South China Morning Post.

The proposed cuts also include the elimination of offices dedicated to climate change, democracy, and human rights, as well as significant budget reductions across various U.S. embassies. This raises alarm over potential increased influence from countries like China, as U.S. diplomatic initiatives diminish, according to Dawn.